INJECTION MOLDING: Wemo Robots Available from Ewikon
Wemo Automation AB, the Swedish manufacturer of servo-driven linear and swing-arm robots, has appointed Ewikon Molding Technologies Inc., Rockford, Ill., as the exclusive independent distributor and technical-service center for Wemo in the U.S. and Canada.

INJECTION MOLDING: High-Pressure Injection Nozzle
The German parent of Plastic Service Group (PSG), Stevensville, Mich., has come out with a new Fox VS spring-loaded injection nozzle for pressures of up to 3000 bar (43,500 psi). Adjusting the spring pressure reduces interference with the injection process—that is, needle shutoff backpressure can be set from 220 to 350 bar (3190 to 5080 psi). The externally mounted spring allows a relatively large melt channel for this compact unit, reducing pressure loss and accommodating a wide range of melt viscosities.

EXTRUSION: Nine-Extruder Sheet Line For Yogurt Cups
A new customized nine-extruder, five-layer sheet extrusion system for production of multi-colored, striped sheet for thermoformed HIPS yogurt cups is said to be one of the most unusual and sophisticated packaging sheet lines on the market.

EXTRUSION: On-Line Sensor for Thick Sheet
New OptiMike from NDC Infrared Engineering, Irwindale, Calif., was developed to meet the need for accurate but cost-effective measurement of thicker and foamed sheet that would otherwise require nuclear gauges.

BLOW MOLDING: ‘Universal’ Extruder Retrofits
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Kautex Machines Inc., North Branch, N.J., is offering a high-performance extruder retrofit program for all types of exrtrusion blow molding systems at what is said to be a reasonable price.

TOOLING: New Mold Components at Amerimold Show
A number of new mold components were shown at last month’s Amerimold expo in Rosemont, Ill., sponsored by Gardner Publications, publisher of Plastics Technology and Moldmaking Technology magazines.

MATERIALS: ‘Breakthrough’ PVC Resin for Plastisols
WEB EXCLUSIVE: It’s not every day that you hear about a new development in PVC resins, but PolyOne Corp., Cleveland, has announced what it calls a “breakthrough development in formulating vinyl plastisols.” New Geon FIT (Formulation Improvement Tool) homopolymer resins are said to improve rheological characteristics and enhance air release of plastisols for better processing.

MATERIALS: PP Resists Stress Whitening
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Thermylene SWP (Stress Whitening Prevention) is a new specialty compounded polypropylene that reportedly won’t show signs of stress whitening when subjected over time to pressure and wear and tear.

MATERIALS: Vinyl Elastomers for Wind-Turbine Cable Jacketing
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Two high-performance vinyl jacketing compounds from Teknor Apex Co., Pawtucket, R.I., are said to withstand harsh cold, exposure to lubricants, and other challenging conditions encountered by control and power cables within the nacelles high atop wind-turbine towers.

Close-Up on Technology

Microcellular Foam with Heat-Cool Makes Class-A Glossy Parts
A high-gloss surface equivalent to automotive Class-A solid molding can now be achieved with the weight savings and other benefits of microcellular foam molding, thanks to a new licensing agreement between Trexel Inc., Waltham, Mass., and Ono Sangyo Co.

Features

How to Select the Right Pelletizer
To find the best solution for your production requirements, start with assessing the status quo, as well as defining future needs. Develop a five-year projection of materials and required capacities. Short-term solutions very often prove to be more expensive and less satisfactory after a period of time.

More Compounding Expansions
In addition to three compounding expansions reported in March, three more have emerged:•Lanxess Corp., Pittsburgh, recently broke ground on a new compounding facility in Gastonia, N.C.

Eastman Discontinues Two Plasticizers
Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, Tenn., will no longer offer diethyl phthlalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) plasticizers as of the end of this year.

Film Insert Molding Adds Antennas to Cell Phones
WEB EXCLUSIVE: One of two recent developments in polycarbonate films allows cost-effective integration of antennas into cell phones via printed electronics and film insert molding (FIM), also known as in-mold decorating (IMD). Bayer MateriaScience AG in Germany (U.S. office in Pittsburgh) has applied for a patent on a method of using printed electronics on PC films, which are then back-molded into cell-phone housings.

Processor's Edge

Sustainability Is Not a Buzzword For Thin-Gauge Thermoformer
At a time when many processors either pay lip service to environmental concerns or hope the “greenwashing” zealots will grow weary and turn their attention elsewhere, Dordan Manufacturing Co. Inc. leaves no stone unturned in an effort to get the truth out about plastics and the environment.

Resin Prices

Another Huge Hike Hits PP
Sticker shock is pummeling polyolefin buyers as PP nearly repeats the unprecedented price surge of January, and PE prices are also flirting with a double-digit increase.